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No weekend concert series this weekend. I have no definite timetable for their return, but I’m thinking June.
On the plus side, the beach walk series returns Sunday evening.
Regulars may remember my love for the Flora-Bama – a great roadhouse on the Florida side of the border with Alabama. Last week, Kenny Chesney made this surprise appearance in the room we frequent.
Several blog milestones are approaching: Views #400,000, OITS #400, and Post #2,200.
Golf League started earlier this week. With only one day of playing in 2019, I didn’t expect much of myself – so I accepted a wide range of inconsistency.
We recently saw an interesting production of You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown. Instead of the normal assortment of cast and orchestra, the cast doubled as the musicians – therefore, each person displayed a variety of talents.
We recently attended an enjoyable concert by the Ambassadors, a select group of the Cincinnati Boys Choir. And to think these young people sang many of the songs in foreign languages!
My journey with the Quickstep routine has been interesting – especially working around 6 weeks down south plus the recent cruise adventure of almost 3 weeks. With one week to go, we are finally to the polish stage … but I can’t wait until it is over.
Have you ever played Singo? We stumbled across it one evening at a local establishment. Interesting and fun. Here’s a short video about it.
For me, this local story would seem to be from The Onion – but oh no – it’s real. Seems a group of adults started fighting at Chuck E Cheeze.
Warning: Those with low tolerance and being easily offended should not read The Onion headlines and my combo.
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The recent Senate Hearing involving Attorney General Barr was all about political theater – not fact-finding – not what is best for the country – but pure party-first political theater. This partisan public spectacle provided clarity for those viewing the situation through their partisan lens- not trying to get to the crux of an important public issue. This party-first event serves as a prime example why concerned citizens have low regard for government officials, and serve as a reason for withdrawing from the voting process. Pathetic …. simply pathetic.
My views on impeachment
- Congress (not the public) determines the meaning of “high crimes and misdemeanors”
- Does significant grounds for impeachment exist? Unquestionably yes
- Should the House Dems initiate impeachment? Unquestionably no – After all, successful impeachment requires a significant number of Senate Republicans to go against President Trump (and that won’t happen with the current crop of enablers)
- To House Dems – Be careful not to waste your time and political capital
Now that Joe Biden (D-De) is in the race for the Democratic nomination, I have established the Biden Dilemma.
- His age
- Voters may be looking for a fresh face (as they did with Jimmy Carter (1976), Bill Clinton (1992), George W Bush (2000), Barack Obama (2008), and Donald Trump (2016)
- Not Left enough
- If nominated, the party will force him left, that is forcing him to be who he isn’t (Similar to what happened to Hilliary Clinton (2016), John McCain (2004), and Mitt Romney (2008)
- His tendency to say the wrong thing at the wrong time
- Kate Smith Syndrome – Anything in the past can be placed into today’s standards and context
- (New) Link to the Republican Boogie Man
I not only foresee President Trump dumping Mike Pence, but adding Nikki Halley to the ticket would regain the confidence of many of the GOP wafflers and some independents.
My latest odds on the 2020 election
- 100% chance GOP nominates President Trump
- 0% chance President Trump gets my vote
- 20 % chance Dem nominee gets my vote
- 65% chance President Trump re-elected
To lead you into the weekly dose of satire, The Onion’s this suggestion about corporate sponsors of a national park made me laugh.
Photo by Snapwire on Pexels.com
Weekly Headlines from The Onion (combos welcome)
Humiliated baboon unable to keep ass swollen in front of mate
Woman jealous of horse’s eyelashes
Priest cursed with incredible penis
Dog sitting at grave where owner buried alive
Elderly man feeling useless in retirement wishes he could go back to feeling useless at work
Religious conservatives argue Adam and Eve would never have been banished if they’d had guns
(My Combo) Adam feeling useless and cursed with Eve unable to keep incredible swollen penis at work
Interesting Reads
A rare language
The most anti-science documentaries on Netflix
10 best national parks outside the US
Global views on diversity, family, and religion
Buddhism, science, and the universe
(Photos) Association of Photographers Awards
To send you into the weekend, a duet that didn’t appear at the last concert. In the words of Garrison Keillor, Be well, do good work, and keep in touch.
A Frank Angle 
Great post Frank. I love Flora.bama , don’t know when I’ll get back there though. I don’t think our country can endure four more years of the lawless Trump adm currently hijacking the White House. Enjoy your adventures Frank.
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Holly,
Yippee!!! …. Cheers to you for being one of the few readers here who has been to the Flora Bama. Hope you can make it back there … and you may find me there on Wednesday nights in the winter. As for President Trump, I will stick to my favorite line – He’s a pathetic human being and an even worse leader.
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Don’t be too surprised if some Wed we meet at The Flora- Bama. Are there still plenty of rednecks for my amusement?
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Of course … but in the winter, snowbirds probably outnumber them.
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Lol! Ok, hope to see you there some Wed.
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… but if it’s a different day of the week, let me know.
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Okay. I’ll be wearing a rose in my lapel.
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Love, love, love this video, Frank!
As for the whole Trump thing. Gawd-almighty… I so fear he will be reelected… Scares me so.
Yep, golf season is back so I’m back to schlepping 😉
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Dale,
That song is one of our favorites by a duo at the Flora Bama – so I thought it was fitting. Plus, I like this version because it is a little quicker. … Yep – The season is here and I’m working again, too. Good luck at the club this year … and Good Morning!
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Good morning, Frank.
Yep. I was torn between to clubs this year but last night was the welcome cocktail and all the hugs and kisses and “so happy you are back” swayed me.
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That a way!
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Never heard of singo – will
Check out the link
But sure have heard of Kenny Chesney and how cool that he dropped in – will also now check out that link and so goodnight amigo
😉
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Yvette,
The Flora Bama is one of our favorite spots during our time in Alabama … and to think Chesney popped in is a treat. Heck – he did a HUGE concert there (on the beach) several years ago. Singo was fun – so what for it in your area.
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I recall from past posts that you frequent Flora Bama – and to know a little about Chesney I bet he goes there often 😉
Have not checked into Singo yet – be back to let you know when I do – have a nice day
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Thanks for another great post. I agree with you on the whole political posing that is always underway these days. And I am worried about the election results. So far, I am not hopeful for a major change.
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Patti,
Thank you. I can’t see disgruntled Republicans voting for Biden or any other Democrat, but they could not vote for President or vote Libertarian if that party puts up a descent candidate.
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Great post, Frank. Love your short opinions. I worry when you say you predict there is a 65% chance for the re-election of Trump. I worry because we thought it was impossible for him to be elected in the first place. Very strange things happen, the world is constantly surprised. It hit me hard when you said the party will force him left… that IS what they did with Hilary Clinton. People had an entirely changed view of her, forgetting so much of what she actually stood for. Looking forward to the return of your beach walk. Makes me want to live near the beach! Have a good weekend 🙂
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Lenora,
I too never thought Donald Trump would get the nomination, let alone elected. What is scary for me is that once he’s out of office (whenever it may be) his supporters will still be around in full force. Enjoy your weekend … and see for the beach walk that will be up on your Monday morning.
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Good morning, Frank. The political situation is just scary. There’s no doubt in my mind that not only is dt a pathetic human being and horrible “leader,” as you say, but I also believe he and his family and cronies have engaged in illegal behavior. I wouldn’t be surprised to find that he also has dementia. I know there is no way the Senate enablers will vote to convict him. But I wish there was some way that he could be made to pay. I don’t know if the country is going to survive his current term, much less another four years. I don’t know what will happen with the Democrats and their candidate, but I’ll vote for whoever it is, and hope he or she can beat dt. Who knew how prescient he was when he said he could shoot someone in the street and not lose voters?
Enjoy golf season! One of my husband’s “perks” of working at the golf course is that he can play for free.
Your combo sentence made me laugh, but I would like to see Eve’s response. 🙂
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Merril,
Two unfortunates … 1) We’re stuck with the man because of the enablers. 2) Even after he leaves office, we’re stuck with his flock.
Hooray … I made someone laugh with that combo. 🙂
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🙂
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Sure glad I caught your first OITS since coming back from BB before I head out across the pond next week. Much to digest from your and your readers’ comments, all leading (I’m finally willing to admit) to the same conclusion.
Speaking of the Flora-Bama, I’m glad to be counted among your readers who have been there. Next time I get down that way I’d like to catch some of the goings-on in the connected venues under the same roof.
Enjoyed the Reads, but no splats from the too edgy Onions.
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Tim,
This Onion collection was edgy. Glad you made it to Flora Bama, so hopefully you make it again.
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You KNOW your life has taken a turn for the worst when you’re duking it out in a Chuckie Cheese, my God. Some people should never, ever have kids.
As far as impeachment, you’re right. The Democrats can’t afford to expend time and energy on a losing proposition. They need to get their own shit together, pronto. And as for Biden, he’s the one I want to see debating Trump. But does he have a real shot? Hmmm.
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A super post, Frank with one real downer for me. You say the Onion isn’t real? In my mind, it is more real than the so-called real news. At least more interesting and fun.
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Great to see you back again, Frank. I’m glad to see that Table Mountain features amongst the list of best national parks. Heaven forbid that t rump should win in 2020. I think you’re right about him dumping the waxwork dummy , Mike Pence for someone who is more alive looking. Flora Bama sounds like a great place to spend an evening. What a great pity it’s a nine hour drive from me. 😥 Happy weekend and enjoy the golf.
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Always love these ‘shorts.’ Congrats on some impressive stats. It takes dedication and smarts-you clearly have both. Being unapologetically ‘Blue’ I sure hope the Dems don’t squander their opportunity. Am I disappointed the Mueller Report didn’t expose clearcut criminal activity? You bet, but for the love of all that’s holy, can we focus on the big prize and vote that low-life, know-nothing out of office. A humiliating defeat is the only way to make him. go. the. hell. away. Impeachment, even with resounding support on both sides of the isle, would be catastrophic for the country and things are bad enough these days without making it worse given the entrenched sides. We have to figure out a way to get people engaged in their government or will continue to reap what is sown for us by powerful constituencies. *sigh*
Looking forward to the return of weekend concerts. Have a lovely weekend!
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Welcome back from a long blog break, right? I tend to get behind, but it seems your weekly round-up just appeared in my inbox after a long absence.
This one is my fave: Religious conservatives argue Adam and Eve would never have been banished if they’d had guns. LOL.
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Betsy,
The Onion has a way of coming up with stuff that makes too much sense! Now that’s good satire!!!
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Well, I tend to agree with you on your political thoughts.
You might be right about Trump dumping Pense & incorporating Nickki Halley.
I was hoping she would defect to the Dems, and become president.
The Dems have no-one!!!!
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Resa,
I can’t see Halley defecting. She’s smart enough to know she has support and the Trump’s time is limited. The move would make too much sense for him … a reason for him not to do it …. and she is strong enough to withstand his presence.
As for the Dems, well … I’m letting them make their choice because I will not be voting in their Ohio primary. I can also say some names are already on my “no-way list”.
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The whole list is pretty much “no way”
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And I think Haley is also smart enough and strong enough to pass on the opportunity to be Trump’s chief ass-kisser.
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X,
Halley is smart, but also ambitious.
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I’m so glad to see you’re back and I always enjoy the “reads” you provide. I will get to them after this very busy weekend. We are “filled up” with family activities. 🙂 The same family activities that take so much of time, help me keep the promise to myself to “step away from the politics,” at least as much as possible. If you don’t vote for Trump and you only see yourself with a small percentage towards a Dem, does that mean you just vote an outside candidate? Just curious. I personally will vote for anyone with a pulse,even an old and weak pulse, as long as their initials aren’t DJT! I see it as an emergency vote.
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Debra,
Glad you enjoy the variety I provide in this long-running series. Correct – I will not vote for Trump. Regarding the Dems, my low percentage is actually my lack of confidence in the Dems developing a sound strategy and nominating an individual that can beat President Trump & attract the middle. Therefore, the odds (at this time) favor me voting for an independent candidate, voting for the Libertarian candidate, OR leaving that part of the ballot blank. I have left that part of the ballot blank before and I’m willing to do it again. My vote will be more than a “Not Trump” vote. Hope this makes sense.
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The fact that Biden has a tendency to occasionally blurt out the wrong thing would be a welcome change from Trump who has a tendency to to blurt out the wrong things ALL THE TIME.
I agree that the Senate won’t vote to remove Trump from the office. But that doesn’t mean that Democrats shouldn’t take the time to investigate and hold hearings for a potential impeachment. It’s not like the Republican Senate and Trump in the Oval office would allow any of the Democratic bills from the House to become law, so there are very limited options for what Democrats in the House could actually do – and congressional oversight is one of the few things they could accomplish. They don’t even have to call it “impeachment” if that word scares half the country, but digging up and publicizing the evidence of Trump’s criminal activity should absolutely be done. That’s the least the Democrats could do to return the favor for the years of Benghazi hearings that, arguably, cost Clinton the election.
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X,
You have stated you case clear enough so I can say we agree to disagree. I will stick to Dems overplaying their hand will cost them votes.
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I think if they push impeachment outright, it will cost them votes. If they side with Trump, it will cost them votes. If they obstruct Trump, it will cost them votes. And if they investigate the hell out of Trump, it will cost them votes, but it will cost Trump votes, too.
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Buddhism and science. I learned some new things from that. Like. As for the 2020 vote, it is clear to me that any vote for a third party candidate is a ½ vote for Trump. It might make you feel justified but the (predictable) effect is a bad one. Adolph Hitler was democratically elected president in 1934.
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Jim,
As a firm believer that no vote is wasted, I have a difficult time understanding the logic of voting for a non-Democrat a wasted vote that promotes the Republican. Here’s the plain and simply scoop. I will not vote in the Ohio Democratic Primary – so for the Dems to get my vote, they will have to nominate someone acceptable to me. I will watch the primaries with open eyes – but as a non-partisan.
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